Ray Blacklidge is running for the Florida House of Representatives.

MADEIRA BEACH – Ray Blacklidge, a Republican candidate for Florida House District 69, is the early winner in the fundraising race.

According to the latest financial reports, Blacklidge has raised almost three times as much as his primary opponent, Jeremy David Bailie.

“This community is rallying around our positive message,” Blacklidge said. “I’m grateful for the friends who are joining our team because they believe in our campaign to create jobs and grow our economy. We are going strong, and I look forward to continuing to connect with as many District 69 residents as possible.” 

Blacklidge is one of two Republicans who has announced his candidacy for the HD 69 seat. The seat is currently held by Republican Kathleen Peters who is running for the Pinellas County Commission.

Blacklidge officially announced his candidacy in June and, since then, has raised a total of $71,480.61. He also has loans of $5,500 making his total campaign balance $76,980 as of Nov. 30.

In comparison, Bailie has raised a total of $25,709 and has received no loans.

Although the totals show a wide spread, Blacklidge’s total includes fundraising for a six-month period, from June 9 through Nov. 30. Bailie’s total includes fundraising for three months, Sept. 1 through Nov. 30.

Looking at the three months’ during which both were competing for donations, Bailie won the fundraising stakes in September, raising a total of $19,805 to Blacklidge’s $2,100. But Blacklidge was in the lead for October and November, raising $9,941.85 and $5,364.76, respectively, to Bailie’s $2,504 and $3,400.

Democrat Jennifer Webb has also announced her candidacy for the seat. Webb raised $21,225 in November, the only month in which she was fundraising.

HD 69 is located in the southwestern portion of Pinellas County. It includes the southern beach communities of Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach and Tierra Verde, as well as the mainland communities of Gulfport, South Pasadena and portions of St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and the unincorporated Lealman community.

Qualifying for the race is noon June 18 through noon June 22. The primary is Aug. 28 and the general election is Nov. 6.

Photo shows, left to right, Ray Blacklidge, Jeremy David Bailie, Jennifer Webb.

Florida House | House District 69 | Politics | Election | Ray Blacklidge | Jeremy David Bailie | Jennifer Webb | Kathleen Peters | Tampabay News

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